A paunch has taken the place of his former six-pack in a clear sign he has let his vigorous exercise regime slide.

While his performances in Gladiator and Cinderella Man demanded he be in peak physical condition in recent years, there was clearly no such requirement for his new role in State of Play.

He stepped into the lead role late last year after Brad Pitt pulled out film, which is based on the BBC mini series by the same name.

The 43-year-old is due to wrap filming on the project, but his schedule shows no sign of letting up - in March he will begin shooting his next movie, Nottingham, about the sheriff who pursued Robin Hood.

Russell, who is dad to Charlie, 3, and Tennyson, 1, is also juggling parenthood, a role he revels in.

He has said: "Being a dad is one of the most special things that's ever come up in my life."